The Alawites in Syria: Drawing Conclusions

Submitted on Fri, 03/01/2025 - 14:50

The Alawites in Syria: Drawing Conclusions

After nearly a month of rapid and unexpected events, after years of prolonged internal conflict and corruption in the country, following misguided political bets and choices, and after deep and detailed international interventions that destabilized the country and eroded its identity, as well as the convergence of complex internal and external factors in what is called the "Great Game" of nations, the regime in Syria fell, and with it many concepts that had remained stable for nearly fifty years… The features of the state changed, and the internal discourse shifted to sectarian rhetoric. In this context, there was an attempt to blame the Alawite Islamic sect for the state of affairs. This is an unjust accusation that goes against the truth that was witnessed and suffered by all Syrians, who, regardless of their sects, were all complicit in the workings of the previous regime. They all benefited from it, invested in it, and used its influence and privileges. Everyone was either a partner, connected, or a beneficiary. Now, they are distancing themselves from it, trying to avoid accountability, and placing the blame solely on one group.

The suffering of the Alawites lies in the fact that a large portion of them were trapped in collective subjugation, used in the illusion of participating in power, exploited due to their good nature and the accumulation of their hardships after centuries of marginalization, exclusion, and oppression. As a result, they found themselves falling into even deeper and more complex forms of injustice.

In confronting these events and the discourse directed at the Alawite Islamic sect, a collective awakening and awareness has formed among the Alawite population, focused around the following points:

** Every unjust killing, whether collective or individual, every act of torture and defamation, every assault on souls and sanctities, and every transgression of Allah’s law carried out in the name of power, is a practice that the Alawites disassociate themselves from, both doctrinally and ethically.

** Every form of oppression, defamation, assault on the property and rights of others, hoarding of obscene wealth, and all forms of using power in ways that do not serve Allah or the country and its people are practices that lie outside the realm of religion. These are shameful transgressions that the Alawite sect disowns and rejects as part of its ideology and legacy.

** Separating the religious state, based on constants and principles, from the political state, which is based on changes and interests. Any ruling in the name of religion or sect is an exploitation of religion, degrading its sanctity and essence, leading to the supremacy of politics over it. This is rejected in Alawite thought.

** Rejection and disavowal of the accusation of being the “ruling sect” and the fallacy of claiming there is a religious connection to the regime. This is proven by the following facts:

  •  a. The false claim of the existence of a religious sectarian council acting as a shadow government overseeing the political state.
  •  b. The absence (or deliberate sidelining) of religious institutions that would serve as the religious administrative reference.
  •  c. The involvement of all sects in the ruling leadership on political, economic, military, and religious levels, forming a system of protection and support.
  • d. The poor living and economic conditions of the Alawite community, with the vast majority suffering from poverty and deprivation, and neglect in areas of their presence.
  •  e. The complete absence of institutions, development, and economic growth in Alawite areas, which is a deliberate strategy to force many into government jobs, which come with dependency and subjugation to the state.

    Therefore, the term "ruling sect" is a baseless accusation carrying connotations of revenge and injustice. It is a false claim and a burden that the Alawites have borne without reaping any of its privileges.

** The Alawite sect considers the slogan “punishment of the Alawites” to be an injustice and a slander against an entire sect, which disassociates itself from everything that tarnishes and disgraces its loyalty and religious belief. This slogan contradicts reality and is seen as a tool for obfuscation and evasion of punishment used by the regime’s allies from other sects.

** Alawite Muslims seek to build a strong trust with the new era, making them partners in building a new Syria. They view the peaceful and safe transfer of power positively and appreciate the new leadership’s announced policies of avoiding vengeance, establishing justice and tolerance, and responding to prevent any violations against this policy. They urge the new leadership to dedicate these high values and prevent any phenomenon that disrupts this change, which they consider as part of the natural laws of life, as confirmed by the Quranic verse: "And these are the days We rotate among the people" (Surah Al-Imran 140).

** Alawite Muslims believe that national belonging based on justice, equality, and competence is the key to ensuring their security and dignity. In confirming this, they do not cling to power but rather to their belonging to the nation and their right to participate in its governance due to their expertise and capabilities. They are ready to dedicate themselves to the service of the state that guarantees these requirements, following in the footsteps of the Mujahid Sheikh Saleh Ali, who rejected the Alawite state and rose above temptations, declaring to the colonizers: “We are all Sunnis in defense of the homeland.”

** Alawite Muslims are part of the fabric and history of this nation; they have participated in its building, defended its independence and freedom, and their blood has mixed with the blood of all Syrians. They have always been loyal only to the homeland and to those who protect the dignity of the land and the people.

Alawite Islamic Library
Friday, January 3, 2025
Corresponding to 4 Rajab 1446 AH